Syrian Troops Reported Entering Jordan for Deployment Against Israel

August 4, 1969

JERUSALEM (Aug. 3)

Reports that Syrian units were entering Jordan for deployment along Jordan’s northern border in the Irbid area were considered by observers here today as still another proof of Egyptian President Nasser’s urgent need for relief from Israeli pressure on the Suez Canal sector which he hopes to obtain by diverting Israel’s attention to other fronts. The observers noted that the reported entrance and deployment had not been confirmed by either Jordan or Syria.

The observers said that if the reports were true, it appeared that the new “eastern command” of the Arabs — Iraq, Syria and Jordan — had been asked by Nasser to take immediate action and that the Syrian troop entry was the initial response. It was reported that the Saudi Arabian brigade now in Southern Jordan would be reinforced, making King Hussein head of a state harboring four foreign armies — those of Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia and the El Fatah terrorist group.

Israeli officials were reported to be watching the situation carefully, particularly in terms of the fact that the Syrian move would constitute a clear violation of the Israeli-Jordan cease-fire agreement. The Israeli press quoted reports today from London to the effect that Air Force Jets attacked the Syrian army column last night, hitting a number of vehicles. including some tanks.